Geraldine "Gerry" York

Geraldine Church York, known affectionately as “Gerry” to all who knew her, passed away at the age of 79 on Tuesday, January 6, 2026. A woman of immense grit and heart, Gerry spent her life proving that with hard work and a "never give up" attitude, anything was possible.

Born July 15, 1946, in Glade Springs, Virginia, and raised in Saltville, Gerry moved to Ohio in the late 1960s with a dream to build a life of her own. She began as a dishwasher at the Circle Inn and, through sheer determination and a fierce work ethic, rose to manage Kentucky Fried Chicken for nearly 30 years. Following her retirement, she successfully ran her own cleaning business.

Gerry was a "fighter" with a servant’s heart. She was a talented decorator and gardener who found peace among her roses and lilies, and she was a natural problem solver who never saw giving up as an option. After her husband Drexel fell ill, Gerry’s life took on a new purpose. She spent her later years as his devoted primary caretaker, proving that her love was as strong as her spirit. Above all, Gerry was the ultimate protector for her family. She was always there with an open ear and would truly give the shirt off her back to anyone in need. Her greatest joy was simply making her family happy and being surrounded by those she loved.

Gerry was preceded in death by her parents, Robert "Toddy" and Nannie Pearl Church, and her beloved husband, Drexel Gene York.

Her legacy lives on through her daughters, Tammy (Shawn) Gibson and Tina Scott; step-daughters, Paula (William) McDannold and Sharla (Robin) Hagedorn; 16 grandchildren, Ashley Johnson, Timmy (Dusty) Johnson, Akili Fletcher, Lucas Hagedorn, Marissa (Brad) Milford, Brayden and Dylan McDannold, James, Jessica, and Courtney Vasquez, Derek Gibson, Tyler (Whitney) Barber, Jeff, Alyson, Ethan, and Josh Howard; and 12 great-grandchildren, Jerrick, Adalynn, Elias, Gracen, Leo, Kai, Jovi, Remington, Ezra, EsMay, Aria, and Wrenlee Jean. She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Darlene Schneider; many special friends and family members; and Julian Vasquez and Shawn Howard, who remained dear to her heart and whom she continued to love like sons.

In keeping with Gerry’s personal wishes, there will be no public calling hours or viewing. A brief committal service will take place Tuesday, January 13, 2026, at 12:00 PM in the mausoleum at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, 3227 Dixie Hwy, Erlanger, Kentucky 41018. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Gerry's memory to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family via www.morrisbaker.com.

Morris-Baker Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 2001 E Oakland Ave, Johnson City, is serving the York family. (423) 282-1521